Nursing Eduction at Teachers College Columbia University began in 1899 when Isabel Hampton Robb was instrumental in establishing the first post-graduate nursing course in Hospital Economics. Later, the program became the Department of Nursing Education. Nurses from throughout the world studied at Teachers College (TC) and earned bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. The Nursing Education Alumni Association promotes nursing education of the highest quality at TC; supports nursing research initiatives; promotes networking among alumni; recognizes the achievements of alumni; and preserves and communicates the history of NEAA and nursing education at TC. Today, TC offers masters and doctoral prograrms in nursing and has the only program in the United States that offers a doctorate in nursing education (EdD).